TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto said that he had held a discussion with Edhy Prabowo on lobster seeds export plan.

During the discussion, Airlangga suggested the Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Minister to imposes the same policy on the marine biota as for other marine commodities such as fish and shrimp.

"I encourage [lobsters] farming," said Airlangga at a press conference at his ministry building, Central Jakarta on Friday, December 20, 2019.

Airlangga said that he had provided an explanation to Edhy during the meeting which was held on Wednesday, December 18. However, he neither supports nor rejects the plan on exporting lobster seeds.

"I have talked with Pak Edhy, [the plan] is being studied, including for the cultivation," Airlangga added.

The polemic related to lobster seeds occurred as Edhy announced that he was planning to allow export of lobster seeds. Back when Susi Pudjiastuti was serving as a minister, the export was prohibited through Ministerial Decree No. 56/2016.

Edhy explained that the export could be carried out when the business is ready, and as long as people are breeding the seeds. Therefore, he argued that the export plan must not be hindered.

In response to Edhy Prabowo's plan, Susi continuously voiced her protest. "I still want to believe that President [Jokowi] does not allow export of lobster seeds. I believe the President will protect germplasm that is worth so much," said the former minister through her Twitter social media account on Thursday, December 19.

FAJAR PEBRIANTO